Malcesine old town topped off with a castle!

Wandering through the cobbled streets of Malcesine is a delight in itself, like being in a fairytale. It feels like time has stopped, the atmosphere is mediaeval, could this be attributed to the castle?

A simply breathtaking castle on Lake Garda

Malcesine is a bit like a delicious meal where the dessert is the best bit because Malcesine Castle is the jewel in the crown but you only reach it after walking through the town. The fortress dates back to mediaeval times, built by the powerful Scaligero family from Verona, with its tall tower that dominates the town from high on a rocky outcrop. From the top of the tower, the view is quite simply spectacular, a scene to take your breath away.

The castle houses a museum which contains some drawings by Goethe, the German poet who fell in love with Malcesine at first sight, writing about it in his “Italian Journey”.

Malcesine town centre, treat yourself

The old town centre of Malcesine is a web of little cobbled streets lined with small boutiques, cafés and restaurants serving fish direct from the lake. Malcesine town centre offers ever-changing views over the old houses, down the narrow streets and out into the countryside surrounding the town. As you walk along the lake shore, make sure to visit the port, the old port and the Palazzo dei Capitani. If you walk out of the town along the lake shore or the cycle path, you find a picture postcard scene of the town surrounded by the lake and mountains. Malcesine never ceases to amaze!

Malcesine and the best beaches on Lake Garda

In addition to the charming, historic town of Malcesine, the beaches are well worth a visit too. Actually, rather than just visiting, bring a towel and stretch out in the sunshine! The lake shore is dotted with little beaches that are ideal for families. Each one is different, with their distinctive white pebbles and cool, refreshing waters. The lake shore path is worthy of a mention too, just the place for a quiet stroll, perhaps at dusk, the most romantic time of the day here.

Monte Baldo cable car, from the middle of Malcesine

The Malcesine-Monte Baldo cable car is right in the middle of the town, with its own large car park. The rotating cabin takes you straight to the summit of Monte Baldo, at an altitude of 1,780 m. More intrepid adventurers will be excited to learn that there are footpaths starting right from the town. Ideal for a hike from the lake to the summits!